Sidharth Malhotra says his film Kapoor & Sons presented male sexuality respectfully in Hindi cinema on a commercial platform

Sidharth Malhotra in Kapoor and Sons

Sidharth Malhotra, one of the stars of the 2016 film Kapoor & Sons, recently opened up about the film’s groundbreaking portrayal of male sexuality in Hindi cinema. The film, directed by Shakun Batra and produced by Dharma Productions, was celebrated for its nuanced depiction of a gay character, played by Fawad Khan. It was a departure from the typical narratives in Bollywood, presenting LGBTQ+ themes in a sensitive and respectful manner, especially within a commercial setting.

In an interview with Lilly Singh on her YouTube channel, Sidharth reflected on the film’s bold approach and its positive reception. He noted, “I think because of the presentation, we got a very positive response. I think everybody has one moment they could relate to. It also opened people's eyes on the way it dealt with a family member dealing with sexuality.” According to Sidharth, the film handled the topic in a way that was subtle and respectful, avoiding any sensationalism. "It was dealt with subtlety, in a very respectful and nuanced way that it was not jarring. I think it was the first time in Hindi cinema that somebody portrayed that on an ultra-commercial platform,” he explained.

The film's storyline revolves around a family coming to terms with the secrets and challenges faced by its members, with Fawad Khan’s character, a closeted gay man, struggling to navigate his identity in a traditional family setting. This storyline was a first for mainstream Hindi cinema, where LGBTQ+ narratives were often underrepresented or treated in a superficial manner. Sidharth’s reflection emphasizes how the film's treatment of sexuality was neither sensational nor exaggerated but presented as part of the fabric of everyday life.

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Sidharth also praised Fawad Khan’s performance, acknowledging the difficulty and significance of playing such a role. “Fawad has done such a fabulous job playing that role,” he said, adding that they even improvised a pivotal scene together. The scene, in which Fawad’s character comes out to Sidharth's character at the dinner table, was a key moment in the film. “I remember that we improvised that scene at the dining table where he comes and tells me. Shakun was like what would your reaction be, and I told him let us roll the camera,” Sidharth shared, highlighting the authenticity and collaboration involved in creating such a powerful moment.

Today, Sidharth continues to explore diverse roles and projects. He is currently working on Dinesh Vijan’s upcoming film Param Sundari, where he will star alongside Janhvi Kapoor. The film is set to release in theatres on July 25, further expanding his impressive filmography.